I know the one in Downingtown. I have to say though, the employees really didn't know as much as I would've expected and I was disapointed with their tying selection overall. I guess some of the Orvis stores are more like clothing stores. They had mostly dry fly hooks.....Where is a good dry fly stream near there???? They really don't target the audience too well IMHO.

Posted on: 2008/12/22 17:18

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Those who have no vices usually have some really annoying virtues!

And let's face it, Orvis isn't just any fly fishing line either. While I own a few Orvis products (vest, wading shoest, etc.), most of my equipment is an amalgamation of more inexpensive items (White River, Cabela's, etc.). I'll admit that the "no hassle" warranty of Orvis products is nice, but in this tight economy buying "top shelf" is probably out-of-the-picture for a good number of fly fishermen. Perhaps I'm wrong, but that's the way I see it.

With the proliferation of online commerce, running a retail outlet has to be difficult...

wgmiller wrote:And let's face it, Orvis isn't just any fly fishing line either. While I own a few Orvis products (vest, wading shoest, etc.), most of my equipment is an amalgamation of more inexpensive items (White River, Cabela's, etc.). I'll admit that the "no hassle" warranty of Orvis products is nice, but in this tight economy buying "top shelf" is probably out-of-the-picture for a good number of fly fishermen. Perhaps I'm wrong, but that's the way I see it.

With the proliferation of online commerce, running a retail outlet has to be difficult...

You'll be hard pressed to find a local shop that isn't a carrier for a high end manufacturer. Orvis is on the lower end of the spectrum of higher end companies, so you might be surprised at the values you could find at a shop like this. Fly shops are always expensive anyway.

Good luck to these guys. I know I've cut back on what I'm spending at the fly shops lately.

wgmiller wrote:And let's face it, Orvis isn't just any fly fishing line either. While I own a few Orvis products (vest, wading shoest, etc.), most of my equipment is an amalgamation of more inexpensive items (White River, Cabela's, etc.). I'll admit that the "no hassle" warranty of Orvis products is nice, but in this tight economy buying "top shelf" is probably out-of-the-picture for a good number of fly fishermen. Perhaps I'm wrong, but that's the way I see it.

With the proliferation of online commerce, running a retail outlet has to be difficult...

You'll be hard pressed to find a local shop that isn't a carrier for a high end manufacturer. Orvis is on the lower end of the spectrum of higher end companies, so you might be surprised at the values you could find at a shop like this. Fly shops are always expensive anyway.

Good luck to these guys. I know I've cut back on what I'm spending at the fly shops lately.

Good Luck to who!!!!! They are a hoyty Toyty manufacturer catering to the guy who is willing to spend $100 on a F$$kin dog bed! Do dogs need a dog bed?????????????????????????......for over a hundred bucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????????

Posted on: 2008/12/23 1:16

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Those who have no vices usually have some really annoying virtues!

Why? Because they've found a market? People are willing to pay it. Unless they lock the dog bed market down at $100 when you need one cheaper, I see no reason for any hard feelings about it. I sure as hell can't afford that, but more power to the people that can and will.

I still say good luck to them. More fly shops = more competition = better for us. Who likes driving over an hour to get to a decent shop for a wheel of shot? I own an orvis rod, as well as some other little bits of gear. No complaints with it. I kept my eyes open for a deal for the rod, and found their prices to be industry standard for the rest of the stuff. I think you should wait and see what this place carries before passing judgment. I've seen a few orvis shops that carried none of the dog bed or cashmere sweater nonsense.

Shawn, I suggest you stay away from the king of prussia mall. It might give you an aneurysm.

Unfortunately I personally think the big three retailers are probably both the best and worst thing that ever happened to fly fishing.

It is the best thing that has happened because it has made fly fishing more visible, accessible and less intimidating to many people who might not otherwise have gotten into fly fishing. 35 years ago fly fishing was still like some secret, snobbish, elite society practiced by a select few.

It is the worst thing because for the most part, their employees are completely clueless. They aren’t trained in helping people purchase the right equipment for their budget and needs but rather professional sales people trained to sell you whatever they think it is that you’re willing to buy even if that something is a 10 foot, 8 weight super fast action rod for dry fly spring creek fishing or a 7.5 foot, 3 weight for fishing the Delaware.

And these sales people are also trained to convince many that the more expensive rod/reel combo they get the better caster and fisherman they will be but the truth is they’d be better off buying cheaper gear, saving $200, and investing the $200 on casting lessons. Oh, but the big retailers don’t sell casting lessons so these big retailers feed on the fact that most fly fisherman believe that every problem they have can be corrected by simply buying the most expensive equipment out there.

That’s my personal issue with the big three retailers - they aren’t true fly shops selling a service that will help you they are retailers simply taking your money. And most people have never visited a good, knowledgeable mom and pop fly shop to really see the difference. Walk into one of the big three and ask them if they can show you how to spin deer hair. I’ll bet they won’t but most good mom and pop stores will gladly show you how to spin deer hair.

The next worst thing to happen to fly fishing is on line discount shops. Everybody loves to save a buck or two but it upsetting when I see someone walk into the local fly shop wanting to buy a new rod. The owner spends 1+ hour of time with the person giving them a free casting lesson, rigging multiple rods, etc., so they can determine what rod is best suited for their needs and after all is said and done, the customer leaves and buys the rod over the internet because he can save $5. And when the customer slams the door on the tip, he brings the rod back to the local fly shop wanting them to handle the lifetime warranty service.

The big retailers have their place but if you can find a local, knowledgeable fly shop, please support them. They can help you with knots, equipment selection, fly tying techniques, casting techniques, local conditions, local tips and tricks, etc. You will never get that from the big retailers or on line discount shops.